Step 1) decide what motor/engine to run. that only took 2 years. Finally decided on the DLE55RA http://www.dle-engines.com/dleg0455.html Only problem with that choice is it will require the firewall be moved back 33mm.
So out came the cutoff wheel and off came the firewall. The firewall was held to the motorbox with a couple pieces of 90degree aluminum angle. I wanted to try and reuse the original firewall so I cut behind the brackets and just snapped the thin ply off the firewall after cutting it off....Continue Reading

Got a couple tests run today before heading to work. Went ahead and soldered the 4mm connectors to my CC ICE75 since it's a known working esc. Then reworked the ecalc settings to reflect the ICE 75. That changed the other numbers I had since it was entered with an E-Flite 100 amp esc in the calc.
First the updated numbers from ecalc. this is with el set to 550 ft 77degrees 29% hum. 5000ma 25c 4s pack. Motor specs entered as per the site other than case legth. that I just guessed at 2.33" since that is about the diff between a P-46 and P-60. 14x9x3 custom prop.
Amps= 67.6
Watts in=869
motor rpm=6945
Thrust=140.8 oz
pitch speed= 59mph

E-Flite Power 46, CC Ice 75esc, 13x8x3 MAS prop, 4s 3300ma pack, E-Flite 25-46 retracts. I tried an apc 13x10x2 on flight #3, it was a bit faster, but seemed to struggle in the wind unless at 3/4 or better throttle. Plus I ended up stalling about 2 feet off the ground on the landing. Scuffed the bottom of the cowl a bit but nothing major. Second video is flight #4. I need more practice on my landings for sure, but the plane is still very forgiving eeven for a hack like me.

Still tail heavy after adding 1/2 oz of lead in the cowl and going to a 4s 3200 battery. At this point itis balanced at th rear end of the range listed in the manual. I need to move it to the front of the range as every time I give her throttle it just shoots straight up unless I fight it.